Free Whirlwind Wedding by Debra Cowan Page B

sometimes glimpsed in her eyes. Fourteen years was a long time to be separated from one’s family, but Jericho could easily imagine his mother leaving him behind the same way, to make sure he was clothed and fed. The regret and sorrow in Catherine’s voice when she’dexplained about being raised by nuns had changed to hope when she spoke about Andrew.
    Was her desire for a family strong enough that she would protect her brother if he were involved with the McDougals? Probably so. As she had stitched up Jericho’s leg, and the pain carved away the arousal he felt at her touch, he’d found himself letting his guard down, trying to reassure her that he wouldn’t hurt her. The truth was he would if necessary. Not physically, perhaps, but apprehending her brother when the time came would surely wound her.
    For her sake, he hoped none of the outlaws held her heart. She would hate Jericho even more if that were true. But why should he care? he demanded as he pushed away the bite of regret. He was here to do a job, and her brother was the starting point.
    Catherine might be unaware of Andrew’s midnight trip, but Jericho planned to find out where the boy had been, what he’d been doing out so late and with whom.
    The clop of hooves drew his attention, and Davis Lee rode into view. Good. Jericho needed someone to take his attention off Catherine and put it back where it belonged. Maybe his cousin had some news from those nuns in New York.
    Davis Lee dismounted and walked over to Catherine, taking off his hat. “Morning, Miz Donnelly.”
    â€œHello, Sheriff.”
    â€œPlease call me Davis Lee.”
    â€œAll right. Please call me Catherine.”
    Jericho heard a smile in her voice.
    Davis Lee grinned like a possum eating a yellow jacket. “How’s my ornery cousin this morning?”
    She shaded her eyes, moving closer to him. “He tore his stitches last night but I think he’s okay today.”
    â€œIf you’re tending him, I’m sure he’s right as rain.”
    Jericho rolled his eyes.
    She shook her head, wringing out a shirt that looked about Andrew’s size. “I’m no doctor, Davis Lee. I just know a few things.”
    â€œThings that probably saved Jericho’s life. Is there anything I can bring you or help you with?” He slid his hat back on and circled the kettle. “Let me stoke up this fire.”
    He knelt and poked a stick into the burning wood, just as she’d done moments ago.
    It didn’t surprise Jericho that his cousin was paying so much attention to Catherine. The woman was pretty; even Jericho would admit that. What he didn’t like was the burning in his gut every time Catherine smiled at Davis Lee.
    â€œThank you.” She hesitated, then asked, “I wonder if you might help me with your cousin?”
    â€œYou’re not wanting me to take him off your hands, are you?”
    She laughed and Jericho’s lip curled. Ha ha.
    â€œI need to wash the sheets on his bed, but I don’t think I can get him up by myself.”
    â€œI’m more than happy to oblige.”
    The two of them started for the house. Jericho thought it would serve Catherine right if he threw the sheets off and greeted her in the altogether. She probably wouldn’t be so friendly to Davis Lee then.
    A second later his cousin stepped into the room, with Catherine close behind him. She moved to Jericho’s right, laying a cool hand on his brow. She smelled of lye soap and fresh air.
    â€œGood. No fever.”
    Except in his blood, Jericho thought wryly. Good thing she couldn’t gauge that.
    â€œHow does your leg feel, Lieutenant? Do the stitches seem to be holding?”
    So she was back to calling him by his rank, while she addressed his cousin familiarly. “Yes.”
    â€œI thought I’d wash your sheets,” she said.
    He kept his surliness to himself. She had undoubtedly saved his life.